[detomaso] Pantera windshield wiper

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 3/2/06 8:26:53, PNPM7476 at gmx.de writes:

<< after using my windshield wiper for a while it stops for some minutes,
mostly when the rain becomes stronger. 
A few minutes later I can start it again.
Do you know a replacement or help? >>

>>>Well, the good news is, the wiper motor is Lucas (when did "Lucas" and 
"good news" ever get used together in the same sentence???), which means new ones 
are readily available.

The motor was used in virtually EVERY British car of the 60s and 70s--Jaguar, 
Triumph, MG, Mini, AC, and on and on and on.  New ones are available from 
Holden (www.holden.co.uk), although it might be easier to find one from any 
British parts dealer there in Germany.  Roland probably has some as well--buying 
from him means you KNOW the motor will work, without modifications.

This is presuming the motor itself is bad and beyond repair.  You can remove 
it and take it apart; it might be all rusted inside, especially if your car is 
missing the wiper motor shield (a sheetmetal shield that bolts to the inside 
of the fenderwell and covers the motor, protecting it from rainwater).  You 
might be able to clean it with solvents and get it to work again.

Then, too, your problem might not be the motor.  The drive mechanism for the 
wipers consists of a cable running through a tube, which was filled with 
grease.  Over the years,  your grease may have turned to stone.  The solution is to 
remove the whole assembly from the car, take it apart, clean it up, test it 
on the bench, and then re-install it.

At least you know you don't have an electrical problem, as your wipers work 
some of the time.  It's mostly likely a mechanical problem and/or rust or bad 
connections between the wiring harness and the wiper motor.

Good luck!

Mike